MINUTES OF THE PRESIDENTS’ CONFERENCE
March 10,11,12, 2005
THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2005
AFTERNOON SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 1:15 pm. Betty Bannon, President of
the Union of Taxation Employees presided. All members of the Executive
Council were in attendance.
The session opened with the song Solidarity Forever in both French and
English.
Point of Privilege – L. Cassidy
Sister Cassidy mentioned that Brother Gerard Ennis was still in Halifax
due to the weather condition and that he was expected to be in sometime
today.
The point of privilege was well taken by the President.
Point of Privilege – Denis Brunette
Brother Brunette asked the participants to bring down their toiletry products
from their room to be given to a charity organization.
The point of privilege was well taken by the President.
President Bannon went over the Harassment Policy and introduced the complaint
administrators Marcel Bertrand, Diana Gee, Patricia Payton and Lyson Paquette.
She introduced some of the members of the staff from the National Office
and she then asked the Local Presidents to introduce themselves followed
by the members of the Executive Council.
OPENING REMARKS
Sister Bannon updated the attendees on the following topics:
- It will be a busy year for UTE with the
holding of our National Convention, where the union vision will be
set for the next 3 years and leaders will be elected for the next 3
years. However, in the mean time, there will be the impact of the budget
to deal with. She indicated that she was surprised to see so few items
on the agenda but that this will allow us greater time to prepare our
strategies over the impact of the federal budget on our members.
- Two (2) components were hit the hardest.
Government Services Union (GSU) and UTE and that during the week Council
discussed the need to have a plan. Council authorized a committee to
deal with the impact of the budget. Early next week the Chair of Staffing
and WFA Committee together with others will be meeting. In the upcoming
days, participants will be asked for input in regard to the preparation
of a campaign and what our needs are and your ideas on an action plan.
She stated that this will not be a short campaign, that it will take
a great deal of their time and that locals will have to put in place
a WFA committee.
- UTE will need to hit on 3 fronts being the members, the public
and the politicians. The members, we need 23,000 people to carry on the
message we deliver to save the jobs. The public, we need to center our
campaign on what the taxpayers are loosing using all avenues available
such as making links with other organizations like Grey Power to name one.
Our clientele are not young people. They are the older generation who don’t
use the phone or email. And they want to come in the offices and talk
in person about their problems with their taxes. They have a lot of
pull with the government. The politicians, we started some of that
during the strike. We will have to talk to them and make them care
because these job losses are jobs in their constituency. They should
care.
- We have an ad-hoc political action committee
who is developing a package composed of federal, provincial and municipal
political contacts for all of our locals. This campaign will be a large
and difficult campaign.
The committee will start to oversee your needs very quickly for the
campaign to start on April the 1st. This will be the last filing season
that looks like the way it does now. You will have to do the work at
the local level because it cannot be run from the top. You will have
to make sure that your local executives are fully behind this campaign.
The work will have to start on Monday and let them know that you need
their support. We will attempt to give you all the necessary tools to
make the campaign work. This week we will be taking all information and
ideas down and they will be provided to the committee.
- Sister Turmel will address you as well as Sister Jacquie deAguayo
and Brother David Orfald who will talk about Bill C-25 and The Public
Service Modernization Act. Brother David Christopherson, NDP Candidate for
Hamilton Centre will address you on the values of lobbying.
- Council met the new Commissioner Michel
Dorais and among the issues discussed we gave him the message that
we want consultation as well as discussions in regard to the impact
on our members and that we expect the WFA appendix to be followed to
the letter.
Conclusion
Sister Bannon concluded by stating that we need to focus on solutions,
alternate plans, and ideas to get the members, the public and the politicians
on our side.
Point of privilege – T. Dupuis
Local President Brother Greg Krokosh had major surgery - quadruple bypass
and is now doing fine. He expects to be back for the convention committees.
Sister Lynn Dennis his alternate will replace him this week
Point of privilege was well taken by the chair.
Point of privilege – H. Sellmeyer
Sister Sellmeyer mentioned that she had brought a CD with the song of
Sister Jane Sterling, who’s doing well, for all the local presidents.
This was made possible from the money raised at the Presidents’ Conference
last October. She thanked everybody for their support.
The point of privilege was well taken by the Chair.
Sister Bannon asks for a moment of silence for members who passed away
since we last met.
HOURS OF SESSION
M/S/C Doug Gaetz/Denis Brunette
That the hours of session be as follows:
Thursday: 1:15 to 5:00
Friday: 0900 to 11:45; 1:15 to 5:00;
Saturday: 0900 to 11:45; 1:15 to 5:00 or end of business
MOTION CARRIED.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
(see attached agenda,
delegates list, observers
list and Items submitted by the Local
Presidents)
M/S/C Ron Bédard/Jean-Pierre Bonin
That the agenda be adopted as circulated with the following additions
from the floor.
1. Rands - Halifax
2. Airfare Rates - Montreal
3. Membership list updates - Surrey
4. Targeted Behavioral Interviews & Competency Assessors - Belleville
5. Designates and Union Dues Deductions - London
6. UTE - Child Care - Policy and Planning
7. Federal Court Updates on Pay Equity & Pension - Sudbury
8. Deemed not qualified Employees - Charlottetown
9. Health Canada Referral and the CRA Policy - Peterborough
10. Appeal Reorganization – Ottawa TSO
MOTION CARRIED.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BUSINESS
President Bannon reported briefly on some of the business conducted by
the Executive Council earlier during the week. (See Council Minutes March
2005).
• Adoption of 2 resolutions moved by the ad hoc political action
committee
• Adoption of the Convention registration fee of $50.00.
• Adoption of the Committee Terms of reference for convention
• Appointment of the delegates to the convention committees
• Appointment of the chairs/co-chairs and members for the convention
committees
• Implementation of a proper classification system (ACS)
• Development of a political campaign and press kit
• Funding for PSAC Regional Conventions
• Amendments on UTE By-Laws and Regulations
Point of Privilege – B. Stewart
The sister thanked the Council for passing the resolution to donate $500
to Brother Shady Zekry to assist him with the cost in running a marathon
in Iceland to help fight Diabetes.
The Point of Privilege was well taken by the President.
ITEMS SUBMITTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS
1. UTE Web Mail and Email (St.John’s TSO)
The item was postponed in the absence of Brother Ennis.
2. Disciplinary Review Committee – across Canada update (Peterborough)
Local: Can we have an update from all the regions?
President: Asked all the presidents to go to a mike and give us their
update with the number of scabs if any. However, this exercise will not
be reflected in the minutes.
Local: What happened when the local report is received in the National
Office?
President: Asked that the National Office be forwarded with the following
documentation: a copy of the letter, stipulating the recommendations of
the committee, sent to the scabs along with the local committee review
report, any letters/responses from the scabs, the minutes from the meeting
including the two (2) votes one to accept the committee report and one
for the recommendations. Once received the document will be translated
and taken to the PSAC disciplinary committee (3 persons) to be revised
and properly presented then it is forwarded to the next NBoD with a resolution
from Sister Bannon for disciplinary measures to be taken. If the resolution
passes, the PSAC disciplinary committee will look into how many days to
determine the fine. Rands will be sent a letter signed by B. Bannon and
N. Turmel telling them what the disciplinary measures are, including suspension,
and a copy will be forwarded to the local. It is then the responsibility
of the local to ensure, by any means, that the moneys are remitted to the
local for them to keep.
There have been cases within the PSAC where the Court did demand that
the person pays the fine, other cases where the Court said you don’t
have to pay the fine and other cases where the Court said we would
not deal with this at all.
The Council has not taken a position on whether the individual should
be taken to the small claim court or what are the limits a local should
go on other means or persuasion. This could be discussed on Sunday.
Local: Can the NBoD report when ready, with names, be put on the web site?
President: Yes.
3. CEUDA and their Designates (Peterborough)
Local: It is our understanding that CEUDA designated members specifically
the Customs Inspectors were not requested to remit the 25% of their
pay. We would like a follow-up on what was done subsequent to Sister
Bannon’s
letter/email to Ronny Moran and also what would happened if CEUDA do
not honour the PSAC Constitution.
President: An email to Ronny Moran was sent to advise him of
the procedure regarding the designates. I also spoke with him on the
matter and he asked me to provide him with the sections in the Constitution
that relate to this. I have not heard
from him since.
Local: Is there a timeframe for Brother Moran to respond so we may see
an end to this.
President: Will wait for his response from my last week email and I will
keep you informed by way of a copy or others.
4. Variable Work Schedules and part-time Status (Peterborough)
Local: We have a situation where a member had a recommendation from the
doctor to reduce his work schedule from full-time to part-time status amounting
to 24 hours per week / 3 days per week from 8 to 4:30. That exceed 7.5
hours per day and the employer will not allow a part-time variable work
schedule beyond 7.5 hours per day. Is any other office experiencing this
situation and what is the position of the National Office?
Locals: Some
locals stated that they do have part-time members that work more that
7.5 hours per day.
5. Recycling Bins (St.Catharines)
Local: This issue was brought up at our last Presidents’ Conference
last October and is there any thing that has been done by our National
Health and Safety Committee since then?
Chair: Brother Chris Aylward said that he attended a meeting two weeks
ago where this was discussed and we told the employer that we agree with
the concept but not how it is implemented. There is now a mini-bins working
group, which he is sitting on, because this is a major mess across the
country and there is a real need for some consistency within the regions.
The working group will meet with the sustainable development people in
Ottawa to see how this is supposed to be implemented and how this would
be rolled out. As soon as Brother Aylward hears something he will advise
all locals.
A few locals went to the mike to explain how it was done in their region
and one local has filed grievances on it.
President: Brother Aylward would be able to update all of us after he
meets with the appropriate people.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
President Bannon introduced David Christopherson, NDP for Hamilton
Centre. He was elected MPP for Hamilton Centre in 1990 after serving several
terms as a Municipal Alderman and Regional Councillor. At Queen’s
Park he rose to the position of Solicitor General in the NDP government.
Following the defeat of the NDP government Brother Christopherson fought
the Harris cutbacks in Opposition as the NDP Labour and WCB critic. In
1999 he was appointed NDP House Leader and in 2001, elected Deputy Speaker
of the Legislature. Elected MP for Hamilton Centre in 2004, he walked the
picket line with the Hamilton Local. Brother Christopherson gave some tips
on lobbying for the Presidents to take back to their local. Mr. Christopherson
answered a few questions from the participants.
Sister Bannon introduced Sister Nycole Turmel, National President of the
PSAC who addressed the participants.
The meeting recessed at 1700 hours.
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2005
MORNING SESSION
The Conference was called to order at 09:00 a.m. with Sister
Bannon presiding.
Brother Gerard Ennis who was absent during the adoption of the agenda
added Grievance Reply as an item of discussion.
Point of Privilege – S. Bergeron
Brother Rick Merasky has been hospitalized for about 3 to 4 months with
cellulitis over ¾ of his body due to his diabetes. We have almost
lost him twice to comma and kidney shutdown. His wife, who is pregnant
with their 4th child, has been laid off and they are in financial crisis.
He has been off on sick leave for some time and has been without pay.
We are asking for any support you can give at this time of great need
for our brother Rick and your prayers are much appreciated as well.
Money will be collected for a 50/50 draw that will take place tomorrow
after lunch.
The point of order was well taken by the Chair
Point of privilege – N. Wenzel
He had the honour to report that the Workplace Health and Safety Committee
in the Toronto Center office has received the Commissioner Award for Health
and Safety and Excellence for being pro-active thus reducing incidents
by 50%. He asked the Local President, Sister Payton to stand up. Brother
Wenzel asked the participants that if they have similar awards in their
local to let him know so we may recognize these people.
The point of privilege was well taken by the Chair.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS
Sister Bannon introduced two members of the PSAC, Sister Jacquie deAguayo
and Brother David Orfald who gave a presentation on Bill C-25 and Public
Service Modernization Act. Copy of some of the comments/documentation is
attached.
Brother Carpenter from Calgary served notice to amend the agenda.
ITEM SUBMITTED BY THE LOCAL PRESIDENTS
6. On-Line Access Tracking System "OATS" (St. Catharines)
Local: We are concerned that they would do on-line tracking in every office
instead of only in Ottawa. They were told by management that it would not
be done differently from before but would be done locally.
President. Are any other locals experiencing this problem?
Many locals went to the mike stating that they have experienced this implementation
some for a few years now and it is at the team leader level. Its been used
for checking people for disciplinary purposes, performance reviews, to
check if employees are accessing the system properly and to track unauthorized
accesses.
Mulvihill Staff advisor on the Tech Change Committee stated that the
committee has not been contacted on this issue because it’s not
a new technology or a new pilot. The Committee will be meeting on Monday
with the employer and they will inquire on this issue.
President: We will wait after the meeting and we will take action.
7. Budget
Affects on CRA (St. Catharines)
This item was withdrawn by the submitting local.
8. UTE Web Mail and Email (St. John’s TSO)
Local: Suggested when an email is sent to all locals that a copy be kept
on the main server under locals for future reference.
President: Anything that is sent to locals from myself or the
National Office will be duplicated and put in one (1) section. Anyone
with the local password would be able to access it.
9. Rands (Halifax)
Local: Stated that it’s taking far too long to have the members
signed and it is becoming very frustrating. What can be done to fasten
the process?
It’s not only UTE who has this problem other components as well
and this issue on Rands with the PSAC and they are supposed to bring
it to the NBoD.
Many Locals went to the mike to express their frustration and concerns.
President: Will find out what can be done to fix this.
She added as a point of information that a Regular Rands who does not
signed a card voluntarily shows as ‘ R ‘ the other ones who
revoke their membership or has let us known that they are not interested
in receiving anything are shows as ‘ N ‘ on the membership
list. The Communications Committee has decided to mail the newsletters
to all Rands also to encourage them to sign.
Local: One local mentioned that we should not take out the ‘ R ‘ because
of what was just said by some locals that there are members/Rands that
have signed a card many times and that for some reasons are still showing
as Rands.
10. Airfare Rates (Montreal)
Local: Why was the amount sent to the locals lower for travel since last
October?
Campbell: Chair of the Finance Committee explained that the old ‘ H
class airfare ‘ no longer exist. For conventions or presidents
conferences we were looking at using latitude and fun fair classes
but it did not work out in our best interest because Air Canada’s
rates were going up and down constantly. It was decided to leave the
Regulation as it is now, Latitude, and that with the permission of
the National President we could pay more. In light of all that, the
Finance Committee decided that we would pay 1.5/time the Latitude airfare
(you should be able to cover 2 tickets if you book ahead of time) and
a percentage would be added in to cover the taxes.
Brother Campbell added that Delegates would be staying at the Delta $129
+ HST 15% while some observers will at the Delta and some at the Hilton
$134 plus tax.
At the Hilton to get the cheaper rate you must be a member and if you
are at the Hilton you will get a better view from the room.
Brother Campbell talked about the offer from the Bank of Nova Scotia for
all UTE members. An informative letter was distributed to all participants
to bring to their local.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER
Sister Bannon asked Brother Aylward, Chairperson of the Standing Health
and Safety Committee to introduce the next guest speaker Bill Chedore from
the Canada Labour Congress who will give a PowerPoint presentation on Health
and Safety in the workplace and on Bill C-45.
Brother Aylward gave an update first on the National
Health and Safety Policy Committee stating that Brother John Andrews
from Belleville and Sister Johann MacDonnell from Kingston, the two
committee members were meeting that afternoon with the employer on Job
Hazards Analysis for field officers. He then thanked the locals who have
submitted input recommending changes to the First Aid Policy. The employer
wants to take the First Aid Kit out of the policy because this is causing
them too many problems. The union position is that this kit should stay
in the policy no matter what. More information will be known during the
meeting scheduled for the end of the month with the employer. On the issue
of defibrillators, this will be on the agenda of the next meeting of the
Policy Committee and again the union position is that the defibrillators
stay in the workplace. In conclusion brother Aylward stated that with respect
to health and safety incidents, the employer has agreed now to share with
the locals the ‘security
incident report ‘ which tells you that an incident had occurred
in a an office and whether or not the police or the local workplace committee
were involved. If you see that this information is not accurate then you
should contact the National Office.
Brother Aylward welcomed Brother Chedore, Health and Safety and Environment
Officer. Brother Chedore gave his presentation and invited the attendees
to visit the CLC Web site for information on this topic and on the National
Day of Mourning, April 28th. He then answered a few questions from the
participants.
m/s B. Carpenter/L. Kinhnicki
That the agenda be to amend the agenda with the following item.
PM2 auditors doing online reassessment.
MOTION TO AMEND CARRIED.
11. Membership List Updates (Surrey)
The item was withdrawn by the submitting local.
12. Targeted Behaviour Interviews & Competency Assessors (Belleville)
Local: How many Qualified Assessors do we have now across the Country
and have any locals experienced any problems?
MacDonald: Chair of the Staffing Committee stated that at the last count
there were between 40 and 46.
A few locals went to the mike to share their problems and concerns.
There seems to be an inconsistency with the way they do the assessment
throughout the country, there are too many assessors and to many
ways of doing the assessments. One of the problems encountered is that
the competency required for the competency assessors themselves is not
as high as the level for the competency of the position that they are
testing. How can they assess a competency higher than the one they are
required to have? In Ottawa there is a language problem where an English
Assessor who doesn’t
speak French will do the assessment in English for a francophone and
the other way around.
President: If you do encounter any problems please direct them to your
RVP first then if need be to the National Office and the Staffing Committee.
Local: It was said at a meeting with the A/Commissioner that eventually
all members would be observed and attested.
President: This has not been approved by senior management or the union.
They are seeking input from the regions and the union. Observed and attested
is something that the supervisor will do only for the 4 or 5 core competencies
only. This will take years before this is being implemented because they
have to be trained and meet the competency on how to observe and attest
the people under them before doing so. They are only at the stage of seeking
input. The draft paper that we saw on the issue says that this process
would be for everybody and we the union said NO.
Local: Are the employees deemed to meet the competency in the
job they are holding?
MacDonald: Chair of the Staffing confirmed that no they are not deemed
to meet the qualifications of the competencies for the position that members
hold.
The session recessed at 5:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, MARCH 12, 2005
MORNING SESSION
The Conference was called to order at 09:00 a.m. with Sister Bannon presiding.
President Bannon mentioned that during Council a few resolutions were
passed on donations and one of them was made to Roxanne Fraser the daughter
of one of members present today at this meeting, Brother Jean-Pierre Fraser
from Shawinigan-Sud. Roxanne’s sport is badminton. She is 15 years
old, has been playing for 4 years and won many competitions. She is a gold
medallist of the 2005 Quebec Games to name only one. We have sponsored
Roxanne last year and it was voted by Council to sponsor her again this
year. Sister Bannon was very pleased to present a cheque of $900.00 to
her father. Brother Fraser thanked the Executive Council and UTE for their
generosity and added that his daughter will be proud to wear the UTE t-shirts
and he, as the father, will be prouder.
Point of privilege - Shady Zekry – Ottawa TSO
Thanked the Executive Council for the donation to help him in running
a world-class marathon to raise awareness and also to promote physical
activities organized by the Diabetes Association. Brother Zekry said that
he was himself diabetic and had family members who passed away from complications
due to diabetes. He will be flying this August to Iceland to run the marathon.
13. Designates and Union Dues Deductions - London
Local: Informed that the PSAC had advised the London Regional Office that
all the money regarding designates had to be in by February 10th in order
to receive a receipt for the 2004 tax year. The concern is that they did
not advise their locals and that we have been holding some cheques to send
them all at once. Is there anything we can do to get the credit in 2004?
President: We have not been advised on that. We will check into this.
14. UTE - Child Care (Policy & Planning)
m/s Lynne Scott-Cadieux/Normand
Pelletier
Whereas many of our union activists are single parents and obtaining childcare
can be difficult; and
Whereas single parents can be prohibited from attending UTE functions
due to childcare; and
Whereas UTE would truly be inclusive in providing for this arrangement.
Be it resolved that UTE do a feasibility study on providing onsite childcare
for all of its Regional and National Conferences and Conventions.
Be it further resolved that this study and recommendations be provided
at the September 2005 Executive Council.
Local: We should put aside funds for the travel of children and assume
some of the expenses like meals, activities etc.
MOTION CARRIED.
15. Federal Court Updates on Pay Equity & Pension (Sudbury)
Local: Our understanding is that theses cases were heard in January. Do
we have any news on that?
President: She reported that the hearing date on the pension was scheduled
for November 15, 2005 for 3 weeks. The pay equity interest had been heard
last January 18-20 and no report has been submitted yet. There was also
a case with the Human Rights Commission in regard to discriminatory practice
of how interest arrear was calculated. The HRC has dismissed the case with
no reason or explanations. This was appeal and the Court referred it back
to the HRC. You may wish to look at the PSAC Bulletin 61 on the subject.
16. Deemed not qualified Employees (Charlottetown)
Local: Looking for direction with respect to employees/acting employees
deemed not qualified for the work they do at the expense of other people
who have been deemed qualified through the process.
Locals: Have the same problems in their office where acting positions
are being held for months and years. Do we have any numbers of acting
positions over 1, 2 or 3 years? And would it be possible to obtain the
number from the department, which would enable us to show the commissioner
that the policy is not respected. It’s happening in many locals
with similar situations.
President: No study has been done.
MacDonald: Welcomed the participants to his nightmare. He mentioned
a situation where there were 4 different people acting in MG positions
as a result of training programs or people retiring or being fired, leaving
some vacancies. They have run a competitive process where only 2 people
qualified since they needed 3 people they kept one of the persons that
was in the acting position but who wasn’t qualified. The Local President went
to the manager and told him that this was not right and he was answered
that they didn’t have anybody else for that position.
Brother MacDonald said that we have to put on paper these kinds of
examples and bring them to the employer. He also said that it was not
that the person was not qualified but rather that the assessment tool
that they were using was not adequate and did not meet the employer’s
needs. The A/Directors and the Directors are not doing their job. They
are not telling Human Resources that the system that is in place does
not work. They are ignoring the problem, which is that the way they do
it now is not working. The Staffing Committee will continue to bring
this issue to their attention over and over until something is done.
President: Reiterate that staffing irregularities should be addressed
to the Chair of the Staffing Committee through their RVP. Would be a good
idea to put staffing issues on the agenda of their RUMC.
17. Health Canada Referral and the CRA Policy (Peterborough)
Local: Asked if it was against the H&S Policy to have a member that
was requested by his doctor to ask for reduced hours to be sent to
Health Canada for assessment?
Aylward: Chair of the Health & Safety Committee stated that this process
was not against the policy. However, Health Canada must have reasonable
grounds to request that. If the employer just says it’s because
we want you do so this then this is not a reasonable reason.
18. Appeal Reorganization (Ottawa TSO)
Local: Informed that the Northern Ontario region is supposed to be a pilot
for this reorganization although this will be implemented across the country.
The intake that used to be done by each office in Ontario has now been
relocated to the Sudbury office leaving our office with affected employees.
We told them that this issue was a WFA situation but they argue saying
that it is only a pilot.
Locals: This situation happened 2 years ago in a local in the Atlantic
region where there are no more appeal people in small offices. The
appeals are managed from the Halifax, Saint John and St.John’s offices. It’s
not a pilot! It’s been done. The Toronto West Local said that
this has been done in their region as well. Burnaby Fraser mentioned
that they will be facing the same situation where there will be a reduction
of employees.
Stein: Chair of the WFA Committee stated that there were 2 issues one
being the clerical support issue for which we have the numbers for the
whole country for quite some time. The second issue deals with the reorganization
of the whole appeal structure. Now there is a chief of appeals that is
responsible for more than one office, making the administrative assistant
to the chief an affected employee in these offices where there is no more
chief. Brother Stein recommended grieving if the employer would not recognize
this issue as being a WFA situation. Furthermore, if necessary UTE would
file a Section 99 complaint and present it to the Board where we have already
been successful in the past on 3 occasions where the employer once again
did not advise us of WFA situations.
President: Advised that the locals inform their RVP who would refer the
issue to the Chair of the WFA Committee.
19. Grievance Replies (St. John’s TSO)
Local: We received grievance replies with the wrong member’s address
on it.
President: Will make sure that when a change of address is made to the
system that a copy is placed in the grievance file because that is probably
where the address is taken from when a letter needs to be sent out. Few
people in the National Office have access to the database system.
Point of Privilege - B. Carpenter
The brother wished to recognize Sister Linda Kinhicki, Local President
for the Saskatoon local who had been recently awarded with a 20-year pin
for her services in the union.
The point of privilege was well taken by the Chair.
20. PM2 auditors doing online reassessment – (Calgary)
Local: Stated that they have PM2's and 3's trained and given
profile to perform T1 rap on-line assessment. They are doing on-line
searches for motor-vehicles and court searches and will be expected
eventually to do uploads and downloads that would virtually take away
the need for clerks in audit.
Locals: A few locals were experiencing the same situation.
MacDonald: Chair of the Staffing Committee asked that the locals check
the PM2 job description and see if this is part of their duties and to
let him know.
President: Reiterated that the locals that were experiencing this situation
to do what Brother MacDonald just requested.
REPORT OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEES
The Chair of the Communications Committee Brother Bob Campbell requested
that more articles to be sent to the committee. Locals suggested that we
put some feedback on ITPR and grievances that we won and that following
the afternoon debate on the federal budget that some actions be included
in the next April newsletter together with something on the subject on
the Modernization Act that was presented the day before. Brother Campbell
concluded by asking the locals to look at the budget for convention.
The items on the agenda have been completed.
OPEN DISCUSSION on two resolutions that were adopted by council following
the recent impacts of the budget
Resolution from Executive Council:
Be it resolved that UTE develop a political action campaign surrounding
the recent announcements under expenditure review for the CRA; and
Resolution no. 1
Be it further resolved that the development of a Political Action Campaign
include a “Press Kit” and information package to be utilized
by local executives and council members when contacting MP’s, MLA’s,
MPPs and local municipal officials.
President Bannon explained that this is to develop an action plan in regard
of the impacts of the budget and part of the plan should include a press
kit that would be utilized by Locals Executives and Executive Council members
when lobbying the politicians at all three (3) levels.
Resolution no. 2
Be it resolved that UTE Develop a Communications Strategy aimed at educating
the public and the media on the loss of CRA jobs, which have provided
valuable services to the Public.
Be it further resolved that the Communications strategy be developed with
the intention of beginning this campaign no later than April 1st, 2005.
Locals would be provided with the list of politicians at all 3 levels
and also contacts with all Medias in their city.
Resolution no. 1
What do you need to see in the Press Kit to lobby the politicians? Follows
are the answers from locals:
- Show the public that they will lose in
service.
- People will not have access to the new
service.
- Clear concise service reduction. Target
the audience our membership.
- How to setup a meeting.
- 3000 jobs would be lost.
- Economic impact on the communities. Loss
of services for our seniors.
- Statistic on childcare benefits.
- Copy of every act that is going to be
held/answered by Service Canada.
- Statistics on how many members would
be affected in each riding that belongs to CRA.
- How the politicians can help us.
- Should include photos of clients lined-up
at the door and statistics of number of payments taken in a month,
the amount of money that is collected, and the number of client that
they see at TSOs across the country.
- Underline what would hurt them and the
quality of services they receive at the office.
- The effect of closing down the cash office.
- Estimate on how much money would the
community lose.
- The employer is doing the contrary of
what they promoting according to a written documentation dated February
2005 on general tax information.
- Lost per province. PSAC and UTE.
- Good details of what we are providing
to the public. Clear description of what we do now versus what would
be lost.
- Different level of information for different
level of concerned people.
- Speaker notes, Questions & Answers,
sample letters for our members, 1 (800) number and challenge them to
try to use it.
President Bannon thanked the participants for their input.
GLOBAL QUESTIONS ON THE CAMPAIGN
President Bannon stated that a meeting should be scheduled with the Commissioner
to find out the details of what they do know, what they suspect and what
they are planning to do. For what she has read, purchasing of all services,
assets, etc would be turn over to Public Works Canada and GSU but this
has not been confirmed by CRA.
Brother Stein stated that the campaign should first focus on the closure
of cash/counter and reduction of call centers. Lost will be at different
levels of the organization. Focus on what we know, that as of April 1st
there won’t be any cash counter, instead of jumping all over the
place. Furthermore, we need to know from the field went would the small
call centres be gone and where would the workload be relocated. It is very
important that we know that.
Comments from the locals:
- Has the CRA Senior advisory committee
and also their board of management been consulted on this?
- We should have the 51 Locals to set up
a meeting with their director to see what they know on this. Get the
specifics of the situation. The locals are to report through their
RVP.
- There should be no hiring. There should
be a FREEZE.
- Membership should not accept any lateral
move.
- Locals should set up a WFA committee.
- To contact any groups that may be affected
by this. Ex. Aboriginals, equity groups, etc.
- The Chair of the Communications Committee
to include a letter in the newsletter on this.
- We should talk to seniors (voters)
- Look at the confidentially aspect.
- Strategy: April 1st. Button development
for every cashier to let the public know that this is the last time.
- We have to educate the public, our own
members.
- To let the members know that cash will
still be coming on and that they should not volunteer work.
- Membership, and our family should not
send taxes electronically.
- Information should be plantgated soon.
Pamphlet for the general public.
- Set a meeting with minister of CRA.
- Newspaper blitz: to let them know that
services are gone.
- Use the TV showing empty counter / cash
- Link up with FTQ, CLC.
- To use firm experienced in lobbying.
- Use advertising in Senior magazines. Ex. Le bel âge.
- Legion magazine could be used.
- Letters to the editors.
- Senior management people are passing
the message that members do not want to see the public.
- Reach small businesses that do not have
computers etc…
- Big corporations also would be impacted.
- Can the National have something in writing
on Red code program?
- Cash accepted everywhere in the world
but not in CRA.
- Will affect multicultural people who
do not speak English or French.
Point of privilege – S. Bergeron: 50/50 draw for Brother Rick.
The amount collected was $816.00
The point of privilege was well taken by the Chair.
- Bring up at the OSH Policy Committee
meeting probability of more increased aggression of TP as services
are cut. Would have to increase security measures in the office.
- Use volunteer Program Outreach to our advantage – advertising
them of job cuts.
- Educate the public so they can take action
also.
- Employer will install computer in the
office for people to have access to Internet.
- See what is the position of CEIU and
PSAC on that.
- Who would be the head of Service Canada:
an agency or TB etc?
President Bannon thanked the participants for their much valuable input.
Brother Campbell explained the rules for the draw of the 2 leather jackets.
The winners were Annette Melanson and Marie-Claude Coles.
Brother Kent MacDonald gave an update on a staffing meeting with the employer
yesterday with respect to term commitment.
There was a meeting yesterday at noon with Sister Bannon and Dan Tucker
where they tried to explain the importance that the union be part of the
selection process. Brother MacDonald reminded Dan Tucker that in 1999 when
the agency was created that he had written in his policy that there would
be a three-year review for the term employees. The local managers were
supposed to communicate with the employees and let them know what was happening
with their situation as per the term study that was done 2 years ago. He
also stated that the union is trying to have the CRA to live up to their
own policy and try to find out what their action plan is with respect to
the 1100 terms employees. Brother MacDonald asked the locals to talk to
their managers and find out how many terms over 3 years they have, in order
to be prepared for discussion at their local UMCs.
Convention in Saint John
Sister Annette Melanson, local president mentioned that there was a website
section on the convention that will be kept up to date with specific links.
She gave some information on the weather in Saint John by saying that because
of the Atlantic coast that there were cool and fogy evenings in July. She
reminded the participants to bring appropriate clothes for the evenings.
She said that the in and out Air travel were filing up fast because they
use small planes and that they do not have frequent flights. She encouraged
everybody to book their seats as soon as possible. With respect to the
dinner and dance Fun night, the information and tickets will be sent to
the locals through the national office mail. The money for the tickets
($35.00) will have to be sent directly to the host committee treasurer
together with the choice of meal at the address provided in due time. The
choice of meal will be lobster, steaks, surf & turf, and a vegetarian
quiche. Before diner there will be a guided bus tour of the city that will
bring the people to the diner and dance afterwards and there will be also
direct shuttle buses for people who do not want the city tour.
Point of privilege - A. Gill
She stated that this would be her last President’s conference.
Some injuries had left her pretty much out of the work place for the
past year. At recent elections in her office she was not re-elected and
that after the annual general meeting next month she will no longer be
the local president. She thanked the Executive Council for the many opportunities
that were provided to her to gain invaluable training most of which improved
her a lot in her self-growth. She also thanked the staff and specially
Sister Pierrette who have accommodated her over the years and she thanks
the local presidents who have provided her over the years with support,
friendship, encouragement and strength. She concluded saying that she
will not be re-offering for the position of alternate to the Ontario
RVP. She will be focussing on her self-wellness and her two passions
health and safety and WSIB. She wished everyone a good convention.
The point of privilege was well taken by the Chair.
CLOSING REMARKS
President Bannon started by saying that this time will not be different
in her closing remarks. She asked everyone this time to work hard for the
members’ jobs in cash and services. We are not in this business for
the glory, the praises or the thanks but we do it for the members with
feeling of justice in our heart. This will probably be the most important
campaign that we have ever run and it has to be done by the locals. You
need to do it for your members and engage your whole membership in this
battle. She wished all good health to fight the fight and win to have our
members to stay with CRA. Sister Bannon spoke on the convention by stating
that she will take a very hard line for the deadline of April 12th for
receiving names of delegates and observers and that there was no dissention
from Council on this issue. We will not be taking names for observers after
April 12th and that observers should be named alternates. She concluded
with thanks to the caucuses that let her talk with them in the past few
days and she wished all a good trip back home.
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm.
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